Tag: Organic compounds

Vitamins were first proposed in the early 1900s, with Polish biochemist Casimir Funk coining the term 'vitamine' in 1912. This discovery paved the way for understanding what are vitamins according to chemistry, defining them as organic molecules essential for metabolism and growth.

By definition, vitamins are organic compounds that humans and other organisms require in small quantities for normal metabolic function. Unlike minerals, which are inorganic elements, all vitamins possess a carbon-based molecular structure that makes them susceptible to degradation from heat, light, and oxidation.

Did you know that hormones are just one of many types of organic substances responsible for orchestrating complex physiological processes? These vital organic substances are required for regulating body functions, from metabolism to reproduction, ensuring the stability of your internal environment.

Did you know that humans require around 40 different essential nutrients to survive? We explore what are the nutritionally essential organic compounds—vitamins, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids—that our bodies must obtain from food to function correctly.

At a basic chemical level, all carbohydrates are made from the same three elements. This gives carbohydrates their name, derived from 'hydrated carbon,' revealing precisely what elements does carbohydrate contain, and how they form a vital class of biomolecules.

Over 80% of the carbohydrates digested are converted into glucose, confirming its role as the primary metabolic fuel for living organisms. This simple sugar is the most fundamental and immediate energy provider for cells, fueling everything from brain function to muscle contraction.

While carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are known for providing energy, not all organic compounds contribute calories to the body. A balanced diet relies on many substances for health, and some of the most vital are organic but non-caloric, playing crucial supporting roles in metabolic processes rather than fueling them directly.

According to scientists, life on Earth is considered carbon-based, meaning this element is the fundamental building block for all living organisms. So, what foods are made of carbon? The simple and profound answer is that virtually all foods you eat, from a crisp apple to a juicy steak, are composed of this essential element.

Carbohydrates are the most abundant organic molecules found in nature and are essential constituents of all living things. This simple fact clarifies that carbohydrates are definitively organic compounds, not inorganic.

Over 90% of all chemical compounds contain carbon and are considered organic, but only a few are crucial for our bodies to function. This article explores the essential organic compounds that are responsible for growth, reproduction, and overall good health, detailing their roles and importance.